Pyridines and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to pyridines and uses thereof, including to inhibit lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase β (LPAAT-β) activity and/or proliferation of cells such as tumor cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/460,782, filed Apr. 4, 2003, which application is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is in the field of organic and medicinal chemistry. Inparticular, the invention relates to pyridines and uses thereof, such asinhibiting the activity of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase β(LPAAT-β) activity and/or inhibiting the proliferation of a cell (e.g.,tumor cell).

2. Description of the Related Art

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) catalyzes the acylation oflysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to phosphatidic acid. LPA is the simplestglycerophospholipid, consisting of a glycerol molecule, a phosphategroup, and a fatty acyl chain. LPAAT adds a second fatty acyl chain toLPA, producing phosphatidic acid (PA). PA is the precursor molecule forcertain phosphoglycerides, such as phosphatidylinositol, anddiacylglycerols, which are necessary for the production of otherphosphoglycerides, such as phosphatidylcholine, and fortriacylglycerols, which are essential biological fuel molecules.

In addition to being a crucial precursor molecule in biosyntheticreactions, LPA has been added to the list of intercellular lipidmessenger molecules. LPA interacts with G protein-coupled receptors,coupling to various independent effector pathways including inhibitionof adenylate cyclase, stimulation of phospholipase C, activation of MAPkinases, and activation of the small GTP-binding proteins Ras and Rho.Moolenaar, J. Biol. Chem. 28:1294 (1995). The physiological effects ofLPA have not been fully characterized as yet. However, one of thephysiological effects that is known is that LPA promotes the growth andinvasion of tumor cells. It has been shown that the addition of LPA toovarian or breast cancer cell lines induces cell proliferation,increases intracellular calcium levels, and activates MAP kinase. Xu etal., Biochem. J. 309:933 (1995). In addition, LPA has been shown toinduce MM1 tumor cells to invade cultured mesothelial cell monolayers.Imamura et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 193:497 (1993).

Like LPA, PA is also a messenger molecule. PA is a key messenger in acommon signaling pathway activated by proinflammatory mediators such asinterleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, platelet activating factor, andlipid A. Bursten et al., Am. J. Physiol. 262:C328 (1992); Bursten etal., J. Biol. Chem. 255:20732 (1991); Kester, J. Cell Physiol. 156:317(1993). PA has been implicated in mitogenesis of several cell lines[English, Cell Signal 8:341 (1996)]. PA level has been found to beincreased in either ras or fps transformed cell lines compared to theparental Rat2 fibroblast cell line [Martin et al., Oncogene 14:1571(1997)]. Activation of Raf-1, an essential component of the MAPKsignaling cascade, by extracellular signals is initiated by associationwith intracellular membranes. Recruitment of Raf-1 to membranes has beenreported to be mediated by direct association with phosphatidic acid[Rizzo et al., J. Biol. Chem. 275:23911-8 (2000)]. Thus, LPAAT, as anenzyme that regulates PA content in cells, may play a role in cancer,and may also mediate inflammatory responses to various proinflammatoryagents.

LPAAT exists in a LPAAT-α form and a LPAAT-β form. Northern blotanalysis shows that LPAAT-α is expressed in all human tissues testedwith the highest expression level found in skeletal muscle (West et al.,DNA Cell Biol. 16:691 (1997)). The uniformity of LPAAT-α expression hasalso been found in additional tissues such as prostate, testis, ovary,small intestine, and colon (Stamps et al., Biochem. J. 326:455 (1997))as well as in mouse tissues (Kume et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.237:663 (1997)). A 2 kb and a 1.3 kb forms, possibly due to alternativeutilization of polyadenylation signals at the 3′-UTR, have been found inmurine LPAAT-α mRNA (Kume et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun 237:663(1997)), whereas only one major human LPAAT-α mRNA of 2 kb in size hasbeen detected by Northern analysis. West et al., DNA Cell Biol. 16:691(1997); Stamps et al., Biochem. J. 326:455 (1997).

In contrast, LPAAT-β demonstrates a distinct tissue distribution of mRNAexpression. West et al., DNA Cell Biol. 16:691 (1997). LPAAT-β is mosthighly expressed in liver and heart tissues. LPAAT-β is also expressedat moderate levels in pancreas, lung, skeletal muscle, kidney, spleen,and bone marrow; and at low levels in thymus, brain and placenta. Thisdifferential pattern of LPAAT-β expression has been confirmedindependently (Eberhardt et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272:20299 (1997)) withthe only discrepancy being that high level, instead of moderate level,of LPAAT-β has been detected in pancreas, possibly due to slight lotvariations in commercial RNA blots (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). Inaddition, moderate LPAAT-β expression has been found in prostate,testis, ovary, small intestine, and colon with the small intestinecontaining relatively higher amounts. Eberhardt et al., J. Biol. Chem.272:20299 (1997). Within various brain sections, high expression hasbeen found in the subthalamic nucleus and spinal cord; and least in thecerebellum, caudate nucleus, corpus callosum, and hippocampus. LPAAT-βcan also be detected in myeloid cell lines THP-1, HL-60, and U937 withthe mRNA levels remaining the same with or without phorbal-estertreatment. The size difference between human LPAAT-α and LPAAT-β mRNA isconsistent with the sequence data, in which LPAAT-α has a longer 3′-UTR.The differential tissue expression pattern LPAAT-α and LPAAT-β mRNAwould suggest these two genes are regulated differently and are likelyto have independent functions. Therefore, a desirable feature incompounds that inhibit LPAAT activity is that they are specific ininhibiting one isoform of the enzyme over the other (i.e., LPAAT-β overLPAAT-α).

LPAAT-β mRNA has been found to be elevated in tumor tissues (e.g.,uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary), as compared to its expression in thecorresponding normal tissues. However, no significant difference wasfound in LPAAT-α mRNA level between the various tumor tissues and thenormal adjacent tissues. In two of the tumor tissues (fallopian tube andovary) where LPAAT-α mRNA was elevated, PAP2-α mRNA expression was foundto be suppressed, as it was also in tumors of the colon, rectum, andbreast. Thus, LPAAT-β (rather than LPAAT-α) appears to be a relevanttarget for inhibition.

There is a need in the art for improved compositions and methods. Thepresent invention fills this need, and further provides other relatedadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a variety of compoundsand uses thereof. More specifically, the compounds of the presentinvention are pyridines that possess aromatic substituents which aredirectly or indirectly attached to two non-adjacent carbons of thepyridine ring. The compounds are generally of the formula:

where R¹-R⁶ are hydrogen or non-hydrogen substituents, Q is a heteroatomor heteroatom attached to one or more methylene groups, and one of X, Yand Z is N with the other two being CH or a substituted C. In preferredembodiments:

X, Y and Z are N, CH or CR where R is alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, Br, NH₂, NHR′or NR′R″ where R′ and R″ independently are alkyl;

Q is NR, RN—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—NR, O, O—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—O, S,S—(CH₂)_(n) or (CH₂)_(n)—S, where n is 1-10 and R is H or alkyl;

R¹ is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, F, Br, CR₃ where R₃ is Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃,NH₂, NHR or NRR′ where R and R′ independently are alkyl;

R² is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, F, Br or CR₃ where R₃ is Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃;

R³ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, CCl₃, NH₂, NHR or NRR′ where R and R′independently are alkyl or acyl;

R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently H, OH, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy,(CH₂)_(n)—OR where R is H or alkyl and n is 1-10, Cl, F, Br, CR₃ whereR₃ is Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃, acyl, heterocycle, N⁺(═O)O⁻, C≡N, N₃, SH, SR orS(═O)₂R where R is alkyl, NH₂, NHR or NRR′ where R and R′ independentlyare alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ or R⁵ and R⁶ are taken together with the benzenering to form a heterocycle;

and with the proviso that one of X, Y and Z is N.

A compound or salt thereof as described above may be combined with apharmaceutical carrier or diluent to form a pharmaceutical compositionof the present invention.

A compound, salt thereof or pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention may be used in one or more methods. In one method, theactivity of LPAAT-β may be reduced by the step comprising contactingLPAAT-β with a compound, salt thereof or pharmaceutical composition ofthe present invention in an amount effective to reduce LPAAT-β activity.In another method, the proliferation of a cell in which the activity ofLPAAT-β is required for the proliferation of the cell may be inhibitedby the step comprising contacting LPAAT-β with a compound, salt thereofor pharmaceutical composition of the present invention in an amounteffective to inhibit the proliferation of the cell. In a further method,the treatment of a cancer in which LPAAT-β activity is associated may beeffected by the step comprising administering to an animal in need acompound, salt thereof or pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention in an amount effective to treat the cancer.

Also provided is a coated medical device for inhibiting theproliferation of a cell in which the activity of LPAAT-β is required forthe proliferation of the cell comprising a medical device coated with acompound, salt thereof or pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become evidentupon reference to the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Prior to setting forth the invention, it may be helpful to anunderstanding thereof to set forth definitions of certain terms to beused hereinafter.

In the present description, the term “alkyl” refers to straight- orbranched-chain hydrocarbons having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and morepreferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms which include, by way of example, methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl and the like. The alkylgroup may be substituted or unsubstituted. When substituted, thesubstituted group(s) is preferably one or more independently selectedfrom alkyl, cycloalkyl, heteroalicyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, haloalkyl,halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, mercapto, cyano, sulfonamidyl, aminosulfonyl,acyl, acyloxy, substituted imino and substituted amino.

“Alkenyl” includes monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having straight,cyclic, or branched moieties, and combinations thereof which comprise atleast one carbon-carbon double bond. The alkenyl group may besubstituted or unsubstituted. When substituted, the substituted group(s)is preferably one or more independently selected from alkyl, acyl,cycloalkyl, heteroalicyclic, aryl, haloalkyl, alkoxy and substitutedamino.

“Alkoxy” refers to the group “—O-alkyl” which includes, by way ofexample, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, t-butoxy andthe like. It further refers to the group “—O-alkyl-W-alkyl” where W is Oor N; for example, —O—(CH₂)_(n)—W—(CH₂)_(m) where n and m areindependently 1-10.

“Substituted amino” denotes the group —NRR, wherein each R group isindependently selected from hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, orthe R groups can be joined together with the nitrogen to form aheterocyclic ring (e.g., piperidine, piperazine, or a morpholine ring).

“Substituted imino” denotes the group ═NR, wherein R is preferablyselected from hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl and acyl.

“Aryl” refers to an unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group of 6 to 14carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensedrings (e.g., naphthyl or anthryl). The aryl group may be unsubstitutedor substituted; in the latter case, the substituent or substituentspreferably are selected independently from alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, halo,hydroxy, alkoxy, mercapto, cyano, sulfonamidyl, aminosulfonyl, acyl,acyloxy, nitro, and substituted amino.

“Heterocycle” includes “heteroaryl” and “heteroalicyclic”. Examples ofheterocycles include oxazole, piperidine, piperazine and morpholine.

“Heteroaryl” is a monocyclic or fused ring (i.e., rings which share anadjacent pair of atoms) group having in the ring(s) one or more atomsselected preferably from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur and, in addition,having a completely conjugated π-electron system. Exemplary heteroarylgroups are pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole,pyrazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, quinoline, isoquinoline, purine andcarbazole. The heteroaryl group may be substituted or unsubstituted.When substituted, the substituted group(s) is preferably one or moreindependently selected from alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, halo, hydroxy,alkoxy, mercapto, cyano, sulfonamidyl, aminosulfonyl, acyl, acyloxy,nitro and substituted amino.

“Cycloalkyl” encompasses cyclic alkyl groups that contain between 3 and8 carbon atoms and have a single cyclic ring, illustrated bycyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclooctyl. The cycloalkylring may be substituted or unsubstituted. Again, a substitutedcycloalkyl ring carries one or more substituent groups, independentlyselected preferably from alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy,mercapto, cyano, sulfonamidyl, aminosulfonyl, acyl, acyloxy, vitro, andsubstituted amino.

“Heteroalicyclic” refers to a monocyclic or fused ring group having inthe ring(s) one or more atoms selected preferably from nitrogen, oxygenand sulfur. The rings may also have one or more double bonds. However,the rings do not have a completely conjugated π-electron system. Theheteroalicyclic ring may be substituted or unsubstituted. Whensubstituted, the substituted group(s) preferably are selectedindependently from alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy,mercapto, cyano, sulfonamidyl, aminosulfonyl, acyl, acyloxy, vitro, andsubstituted amino.

“Halogen” or “halo” refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo.

“Acyl” group refers to the C(O)—R″ group, where R″ is selectedpreferably from hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryloptionally substituted with one or more alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloand substituted amino groups, heteroaryl (bonded through a ring carbon)optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloand substituted amino groups and heteroalicyclic (bonded through a ringcarbon) optionally substituted with one or more alkyl, haloalkyl,alkoxy, halo and substituted amino groups. Acyl groups includealdehydes, ketones, acids, acid halides, esters and amides. Preferredacyl groups are carboxy groups, e.g., acids and esters. Esters includeamino acid ester derivatives. The acyl group may be attached to acompound's backbone at either end of the acyl group, i.e., via the C orthe R″. Where the acyl group is attached via the R″, then C will bearanother substituent, such as hydrogen or alkyl.

The phrase “physiologically acceptable salt” refers to those salts thatretain the biological effectiveness and properties of the particularcompound. Physiologically acceptable salts are often useful because theymay have improved stability and/or solubility in pharmaceuticalcompositions over the free base form of the compound. A physiologicallyacceptable salt may be obtained by reaction of a free base with aninorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid,phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid and the like, orwith an organic acid such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid,maleic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid,p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,succinic acid or malonic acid, and the like. A physiologicallyacceptable salt may also be obtained by reaction of a free acid with abase such as sodium, potassium or lithium hydroxide, bicarbonate orcarbonate, and the like.

As noted above, the present invention provides pyridines,physiologically acceptable salts thereof and uses thereof. The pyridinespossess aromatic substituents that are directly or indirectly attachedto two non-adjacent carbons of the pyridine ring. The compounds aregenerally of the formula:

where R¹-R⁶ are hydrogen or non-hydrogen substituents, Q is a heteroatomor heteroatom attached to one or more methylene groups, and two of X, Yand Z are N with the third being CH or a substituted C. The requirementthat only one of X, Y and Z is N is consistent with the compoundsincluding a pyridine ring.

Preferred embodiments include the following selections for the generalformula above. Preferred embodiments include where X, Y and Z are N, CHor CR. R of CR is alkyl, alkoxy, halo (preferably Cl or Br), NH₂, NHR′or NR′R ″where R′ and R″ independently are alkyl. Particularly preferredis where X or Y is N.

Preferred embodiments include where Q is a heteroatom (preferably N, Oor S) and may be attached to one or more methylene groups to provideadditional spacing between the pyridine ring and the phenyl ringpossessing R⁴, R⁵ and/or R⁶. Q may be NR where R is H or alkyl. Wherethere are one or more methylene groups, the heteroatom may be orientedsuch that it is attached directly to the pyridine ring or attacheddirectly to the phenyl ring possessing R⁴, R⁵ and/or R⁶. For example, Qmay be RN—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—NR, O—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—O, S—(CH₂)_(n)or (CH₂)_(n)—S, where n is typically 1-10 and R is H or alkyl.Particularly preferred is where Q is NH.

Preferred embodiments include where R¹ is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen(preferably Cl, F or Br), CR₃, NH₂, NHR or NRR′. R₃ of CR₃ is (halo)₃,preferably Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃. R and R′ of NHR and NRR′ are independentlyalkyl. The term “independently,” as used throughout, refers toindependent selection of a group, but does not exclude the possibilitythat two groups are identical. For example, the alkyl group of R and R′of NRR′ may be the same or different. Particularly preferred is where R¹is alkyl, alkoxy or Cl.

Preferred embodiments include where R² is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen(preferably Cl, F or Br), or CR₃. R₃ of CR₃ is (halo)₃, preferably Cl₃,F₃ or Br₃. Particularly preferred is where R² is Cl or Br.

Preferred embodiments include where R³ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen(preferably Cl), CR₃, NH₂, NHR or NRR′. R₃ of CR₃ is (halo)₃, preferablyCl₃. R and R′ of NHR and NRR′ are independently alkyl or acyl.Particularly preferred is where R³ is alkyl or NH₂.

Preferred embodiments include where R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently H,OH, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, (CH₂)_(n)—OR, halogen (preferablyCl, F or Br), CR₃, acyl, heterocycle, N⁺(═O)O⁻, C≡N, N₃, SH, SR,S(═O)₂R, NH₂, NHR or NRR′. R of (CH₂)_(n)—OR is H or alkyl, and n istypically 1-10, with CH₂—OH and (CH₂)₂—OH preferred. R₃ of CR₃ is(halo)₃, preferably Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃. A preferred heterocycle is oxazol. Apreferred acyl is phenone (so forms benzophenone when taken with thebenzene ring to which it is attached) or ester, such as an amino acidester derivative. R of SR and S(═O)₂R is alkyl. R and R′ of NHR and NRR′are independently alkyl. Particularly preferred is where R⁴ or R⁵ or R⁶is Cl, Br, (CH₂)₂—OH, N⁺(═O)O⁻, C≡N, or C(═O)R wherein R is alkyl oralkoxy. Also preferred is where R⁴ or R⁵ or R⁶ is a non-polarsubstituent, e.g., alkyl. Alternatively, R⁴ and R⁵ (or R⁵ and R⁶) may betaken together with the benzene ring to form a heterocycle. A preferredheterocycle is indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, indolyl, benzothiazolyl,benzimidazolyl or benzodioxolyl. Particularly preferred is where R⁴ andR⁵ (or R⁵ and R⁶) are taken together with the benzene ring to formindazole.

Particularly preferred compounds of the present invention are shown inTable 1 of Example 15 below, and physiologically acceptable saltsthereof.

It may be advantageous for certain uses to enhance the solubility and/orbioavailability of one or more of the compounds of the presentinvention. This may be accomplished, for example, by the addition of oneor more substituents to the compound. For example, the addition ofhydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyl groups, may be advantageous. Othersubstituents for enhancing solubility and/or bioavailability includeamino acids (e.g., polyglutamate or polylysine), di-peptides, polymers(e.g., PEG or POG), monocarboxylic acids (e.g., hemi-succinate), andesters. Any group that enhances solubility and/or bioavailability of acompound of the present invention may be used, provided that the groupdoes not significantly impair the relevant biological property of thecompound.

It may be advantageous for certain uses to prepare a compound (orphysiologically acceptable salt thereof) as a “prodrug.” As used herein,the term “compound” encompasses a prodrug form of the parent compound.“Prodrug” herein refers to a chemical substance that is converted intothe parent compound in vivo. Prodrugs often are useful because, in somesituations, they may be easier to administer than the parent compound.They may, for instance, be bioavailable by oral administration whereasthe parent compound is not. The prodrug may also have improvedsolubility in pharmaceutical compositions over the parent compound. Anexample of a prodrug would be a parent compound of the present inventionwhich is administered as an ester (the “prodrug”) to facilitatetransmittal across a cell membrane where water solubility is detrimentalto mobility. The ester is then metabolically hydrolyzed to thecarboxylic acid, the active entity, once inside the cell where watersolubility is beneficial. Such a prodrug is generally inactive (or lessactive) until converted to the active form.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds and the physiologicallyacceptable salts thereof are preferred embodiments of this invention.Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the present invention(i.e., compounds and salts thereof as described above) may bemanufactured by processes well known in the art; e.g., by means ofconventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating,emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes.

Pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in a conventional mannerusing one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or diluents.Proper formulation is generally dependent upon the route ofadministration chosen. The pyridines of the present invention may beformulated such that the formulation comprises a single pyridine or amixture of two or more pyridines described herein. Alternatively, one ormore pyridines may be formulated with one or more other agents which areactive for a general or specific disease, disorder or condition.

For injection, the compounds of the invention may be formulated assterile aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatiblebuffers such as Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, or physiologicalsaline buffer. For transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriateto the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Suchpenetrants are generally known in the art.

For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated readily bycombining the active compounds with physiologically acceptable carrierswell known in the art. Such carriers enable the compounds of theinvention to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules,liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oralingestion by a patient to be treated. Pharmaceutical preparations fororal use can be made with the use of a solid carrier or diluent,optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture ofgranules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtaintablets or dragee cores. Suitable carriers or diluents are, inparticular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose,mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example,maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gumtragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired,disintegrating agents may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodiumalginate.

Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings. For this purpose,concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionally containgum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethyleneglycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organicsolvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to thetablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterizedifferent combinations of active compound doses.

Pharmaceutical compositions which can be used orally include push-fitcapsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made ofgelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fitcapsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with a fillersuch as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such astalc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In softcapsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitableliquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethyleneglycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added. All formulations fororal administration should be in dosages suitable for suchadministration.

For buccal administration, the compositions may take the form of tabletsor lozenges formulated in conventional manner.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to theembodiments of the present invention are conveniently delivered in theform of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or anebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g.,dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafluoro-ethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In thecase of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined byproviding a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridgesof, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulatedcontaining a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base suchas lactose or starch.

The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration, e.g., bybolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection maybe presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampules or in multi-dosecontainers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take suchforms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueousvehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending,stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.

Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration includesterile aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water soluble form.Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared asappropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents orvehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acidesters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueousinjection suspensions may contain substances which increase theviscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also containsuitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of thecompounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.

Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form forconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water,before use.

The compounds may also be formulated in rectal compositions such assuppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventionalsuppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

In addition to the formulations described previously, the compounds mayalso be formulated as a depot preparation (see, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 5,702,717 for a biodegradable depot for the delivery of a drug).Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (forexample subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscularinjection. Thus, for example, the compounds may be formulated withsuitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsionin an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly solublederivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt. Thepharmaceutical compositions herein also may comprise suitable solid orgel phase carriers or diluents. Examples of such carriers or diluentsinclude but are not limited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymerssuch as polyethylene glycols.

The compounds of the invention may be provided as physiologicallyacceptable salts wherein the claimed compound may form the negatively orthe positively charged species. Examples of salts in which the compoundforms the positively charged moiety include, without limitation,quaternary ammonium (defined elsewhere herein), salts such as thehydrochloride, sulfate, carbonate, lactate, tartarate, maleate,succinate, etc. formed by the reaction of an amino group with theappropriate acid.

As noted above, LPAAT-β appears to play a role in various cellularpathways that have a connection to various diseases, disorders orconditions. The disclosure of the present invention shows unexpectedlythat the pyridines set forth above inhibit the activity of LPAAT-β. Thissurprising inhibition is also specific for LPAAT-β, as the compoundstested showed weak to no inhibitory activity for LPAAT-α. In particular,none of the compounds tested had an IC₅₀ of less than 40 μM for LPAAT-α.In one use of the compounds of the present invention, the activity ofLPAAT-β is reduced. The method comprises contacting LPAAT-β with acompound or salt thereof or composition of the present invention in anamount effective to reduce the LPAAT-β activity. The LPAAT-β to becontacted may reside in a cell-free preparation or in intact cells,including cells within an animal.

In the context of the present invention, the term “animal” refers to anyanimal, including humans and other primates, rodents (e.g., mice, rats,and guinea pigs), lagamorphs (e.g., rabbits), bovines (e.g., cattle),ovines (e.g., sheep), caprines (e.g., goats), porcines (e.g., swine),equines (e.g., horses), canines (e.g., dogs), felines (e.g., cats),domestic fowl (e.g., chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, other gallinaceousbirds, etc), as well as feral or wild animals, including such animals asungulates (e.g., deer), bear, fish, lagamorphs, rodents, birds, etc. Itis not intended that the term be limited to a particular age or sex.Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male orfemale, are encompassed by the term. A preferred animal within thepresent invention is a mammal, with humans particularly preferred.

In another use of the compounds of the present invention, theproliferation of a cell (in which the activity of LPAAT-β is requiredfor the proliferation of the cell) is inhibited. The method comprisescontacting the cell with a compound or salt thereof or composition ofthe present invention in an amount effective to inhibit theproliferation of the cell. The cell to be contacted may be in vitro orin vivo in an animal. An example of a cell whose proliferation it isdesirable to inhibit is a tumor cell. However, there are other diseases,disorders and conditions with cell types other than tumor cells forwhich it may be desirable to inhibit proliferation of the cell. In thecontext of the present invention, the term “inhibiting” refers to bothtotal inhibition and partial inhibition (i.e., the inhibition need notbe 100%).

In another use of the compounds of the present invention, a cancer (inwhich LPAAT activity is associated) is treated. The method comprisesadministering to an animal in need, a compound or salt thereof orcomposition of the present invention in an amount effective to treat thecancer. In the context of the present invention, the term “treating acancer” refers to any of a variety of positive effects from thetreatment, including preventing the spread of a tumor, arresting tumorgrowth at a primary site, eradicating the tumor, relieving a symptomassociated with the cancer, or prolonging the survival time of theanimal treated. For example, as used herein, treating a cancer may havethe effect of (1) reducing the size of the tumor, (2) inhibiting (thatis, slowing to some extent, preferably stopping) tumor metastasis, (3)inhibiting to some extent (that is, slowing to some extent, preferablystopping) tumor growth, (4) relieving to some extent (or, preferably,eliminating) one or more symptoms associated with the cancer, and/or (5)prolonging the survival time of the recipient. In addition, treatmentfurther includes preventing tumor occurrence or recurrence. The methodmay further comprise inclusion of one or more other agents for treatinga cancer. Alternatively, the method may be used in conjunction with oneor more other cancer therapies, such as radiation, surgery or otherchemotherapy.

Suitable routes of administration may include, without limitation, oral,rectal, transmucosal or intestinal administration or intramuscular,subcutaneous, intramedullary, intrathecal, direct intraventricular,intravenous, intraperitoneal or intranasal injections.

Alternately, one may administer the compound or composition in a localrather than systemic manner, for example, via injection of the compoundor composition directly into a solid tumor, often in a depot orsustained release formulation.

Furthermore, one may administer the compound or composition in atargeted drug delivery system, for example, in a liposome coated withtumor-specific antibody. The liposomes will be targeted to and taken upselectively by the tumor.

Compounds and compositions suitable for use in the methods of thepresent invention are compounds and compositions wherein the activeingredients are contained in an amount effective to achieve its intendedpurpose. Determination of an effective amount is well within thecapability of those skilled in the art, especially in light of thedetailed disclosure provided herein.

For any compound or composition used in the methods of the invention,the effective amount or dose can be estimated initially from cellculture assays. For example, a dose can be formulated in animal modelsto achieve a circulating concentration range that includes the IC₅₀ asdetermined in cell culture (i.e., the concentration of the test compoundwhich achieves a half-maximal inhibition of LPAAT-β activity). Suchinformation can be used to more accurately determine useful doses inhumans.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the compounds described herein canbe determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures orexperimental animals for determining the LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to 50% ofthe population) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effective in 50%of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effectsis the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio betweenLD₅₀ and ED₅₀. Compounds which exhibit high therapeutic indices arepreferred. The data obtained from these cell culture assays and animalstudies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human.The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range ofcirculating concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or notoxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon thedosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exactformulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by theindividual physician in view of the patient's condition. (see, e.g.,Fingl, et al., in “The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,” (1975),Chapter 1, pp. 1).

Dosage amount and interval may be adjusted individually to provideplasma levels of the active moiety which are sufficient to maintainLPAAT-β inhibitory effects, or minimal effective concentration (MEC).The MEC will vary for each compound but can be estimated from in vitrodata; e.g., the concentration necessary to achieve 50-90% inhibition ofLPAAT-β using the assays described herein. Dosages necessary to achievethe MEC will depend on individual characteristics and route ofadministration. However, HPLC assays or bioassays can be used todetermine plasma concentrations.

Dosage intervals can also be determined using MEC value. Compoundsshould be administered using a regimen which maintains plasma levelsabove the MEC for 10-90% of the time, preferably between 30-90% and mostpreferably between 50-90%. In cases of local administration or selectiveuptake, the effective local concentration of the drug may not be relatedto plasma concentration.

The amount of compound or composition administered will, of course, bedependent on the subject being treated, on the subject's weight, theseverity of the affliction, the manner of administration and thejudgment of the prescribing physician. An exemplary systemic dailydosage is about 5 to about 200 mg/kg of body weight. Normally, fromabout 10 to about 100 mg/kg of body weight of the compounds of thepresent invention, in one or more dosages per day, is effective toobtain the desired results. One of ordinary skill in the art candetermine the optimal dosages and concentrations of the compounds of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention with only routineexperimentation.

The compounds of the present invention when used are substantially pureand preferably sterile. The phrase “substantially pure” encompassescompounds created by chemical synthesis or compounds substantially freeof chemicals which may accompany the compounds in the natural state, asevidenced by thin layer chromatography (TLC) or high performance liquidchromatography (HPLC).

A compound or salt thereof of the present invention, or pharmaceuticalcomposition of either, may be used to coat a medical device. A varietyof medical devices, such as a stent, may be coated. The medical devicemay be composed of a bioadsorbable and biodegradable material. Due tothe anti-proliferative properties of the compounds of the presentinvention, a stent or other medical device that is coated with such acompound or salt thereof or pharmaceutical composition of either may beused for inhibiting the proliferation of a cell. The coated medicaldevices of the present invention may be used in a variety of ways. Apreferred use is to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells.

The following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by wayof limitation.

EXAMPLES Example 1[2-Chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl]-p-tolyl-amine

To a solution of 4-amino-2,6-dichloropyridine (1.0 g, 6.1 mmol),5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenylboronic acid (1.4 g, 7.3 mmol) and palladiumacetate (137 mg, 0.61 mmol) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (50 ml),degassed with argon, was added a solution of cesium fluoride (3.8 g,24.4 mmol) in water (10 ml) followed by triphenylphosphine (320 mg, 1.22mmol). After stirring at 85° C. for 12 hours, the mixture was filteredthrough a pad of celite under suction. The filtrate was dried oversodium sulfate and purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:4 followed by 2:5) to provide2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-amine (720 mg, 44%yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.91 (s, 3H, CH₃), 5.92 (s, 2H, NH₂), 6.60(d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz, Ar), 7.14 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.33 (d, 1H, J=1.9Hz, Ar), 7.37 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.90 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz,Ar).

A mixture of 2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-amine(715 mg, 2.65 mmol), p-tolylboronic acid (722 mg, 5.3 mmol), copper (II)acetate (962 mg, 5.3 mmol), triethylamine (1.5 ml, 10.6 mmol) andmolecular sieves (4 angstrom) in dichloromethane (40 ml) was stirredunder oxygen atmosphere for 60 hours. The mixture was filtered through apad of celite under suction. The filtrate was purified by flashchromatography eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:3 followed by 2:5)to provide the title compound (680 mg, 72% yield). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ2.32 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.91 (s, 3H, CH₃), 6.73 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, Ar), 7.14(d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz, Ar), 7.18 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.22 (d, 2H, J=8.2Hz, Ar), 7.44-7.48 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 9.1 (s, 1H,NH).

Example 2[4-Cloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-p-tolyl-amine

To a mixture of 2,4,6-trichloropyridine (50 mg, 0.27 mmol),5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenylboronic acid (54 mg, 0.28 mmol), cesiumfluoride (100 mg, 0.66 mmol) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (10 ml),degassed with argon, was added tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0)(30 mg, 0.026 mmol). The mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours andfiltered through a pad of celite under suction. The filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bypreparative thin layer chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane(1:9) to provide 2,4-dichloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine (25mg, 32% yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.95 (s, 3H, CH₃), 7.24 (d, 1H,J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.49 (dd, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.56 (d, 1H, J=2.8Hz, Ar), 7.94 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 8.10 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz, Ar).

To a mixture of 2,4-dichloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine (25mg, 0.087 mmol), p-tolylamine (10.2 mg, 0.1 mmol), sodium tert-butoxide(26 mg, 0.26 mmol), and tetrahydrofuran (15 ml), degassed with argon,was added palladium acetate (15 mg, 0.066 mmol) followed by2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (30 mg, 0.048 mmol). Themixture was stirred at 70° C. for 5 hours and filtered through a pad ofcelite under suction. The filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by preparative thin layerchromatography eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:9) to provide thetitle compound (6.6 mg, 21% yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 2.32 (s, 3H,CH₃), 3.95 (s, 3H, CH₃), 6.83-6.84 (m, 1H, Ar), 7.15 (d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz,Ar), 7.20 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.43 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar),7.46 (d, 1H, J=1.5 Hz, Ar), 7.57-7.60 (m, 2H, Ar), 8.10 (d, 1H, J=2.7Hz, Ar), 8.43 (s, 1H, NH).

Example 36-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N*2*-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,4-diamine

A mixture of 2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-amine,prepared in Example 1, (120 mg, 0.45 mmol) and p-tolylamine (1.0 g, 9.3mmol) was heated at 190° C. for 45 minutes. After cooling to roomtemperature, the mixture was treated with hydrochloric acid (1 M, 50ml). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organicextract was dried over magnesium sulfate and purified by flashchromatography on silica gel column eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane(1:4 followed by 1:1) to give the title compound (120 mg, 79% yield). ¹HNMR (acetone-d₆) δ 2.27 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH₃), 5.30 (d, 2H,J=6.4 Hz, NH₂), 6.11 (d, 1H, J=1.7 Hz, Ar), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=1.7 Hz, Ar),7.07 (d, 2H, J=8.3 Hz, Ar), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.32 (dd, 1H,J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.51-7.54 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.68 (s, 1H, NH), 7.99(d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar).

Example 46-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N*2*-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,4-diamine

Following the method described in Example 3,2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-amine and4-chloro-phenylamine, provided the title compound (22% yield). ¹H NMR(acetone-d₆) δ 3.90 (s, 3H, CH₃), 5.39 (s, 2H, NH₂), 6.90 (d, 1H, J=1.7Hz, Ar), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.24 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.34(dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.73 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.91 (d,1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 8.09 (s, 1H, NH).

Example 5N-[6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolylamino-pyridin-2-yl]-acetamide

A mixture of[2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl]-p-tolyl-amine (60mg, 0.167 mmol) prepared according to Example 1, copper powder (100 mg,1.54 mmol) and acetamide (2.0 g, 33.9 mmol) was heated at 180° C. for 3hours. The mixture was purified by flash chromatography on silica geleluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:1 followed by 3:2) to provide titlecompound (15 mg, 23% yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 2.19 (s, 3H, CH₃),2.32 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.91 (s, 3H, CH₃), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar),7.19-7.25 (m, 4H, Ar), 7.35 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.47-7.48(m, 1H, Ar), 7.86 (s, 1H, NH), 7.89 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 8.05 (s, 1H,NH).

Example 66-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N*4*-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,4-diamine

To a solution ofN-[6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolylamino-pyridin-2-yl]-acetamide(15 mg, 0.039) prepared according to Example 5 in ethanol (4 ml) wasadded hydrazine (0.01 ml). After heating under reflux for 3 hours, themixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treatedwith water (40 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organicextract was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated underreduced pressure to give the title compound (6 mg, 45% yield). ¹H NMR(acetone-d₆) δ 2.31 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.90 (s, 3H, CH₃), 5.40 (s, 2H, NH₂),6.16 (t, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, Ar), 7.04 (bs, 1H, Ar), 7.09 (t, 1H, J=8.8 Hz,Ar), 7.17 (bs, 4H, Ar), 7.32 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.72 (s,1H, NH), 7.93 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar).

Example 76-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N*4*-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,4-diamine

Following the method described in Example 1,2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-amine and4-chloro-phenylboronic acid gave2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-(4-chloro-phenyl)-aminein 56% yield. ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.92(s, 3H, CH₃), 6.86 (d, 1H, J=8.9Hz, Ar), 6.90 (t, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, Ar), 7.18 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.20(d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.36 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.41 (dd, 1H, J=8.8Hz, J=2.8 Hz, Ar), 7.46 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.72 (t, 1H, J=1.9 Hz,Ar), 7.95 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar).

Following the method described in Example 6,2-chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-(4-chloro-phenyl)-amineprovided the title compound (17% yield for 2 steps). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆)δ 3.90 (s, 3H, CH₃), 5.27 (s, 2H, NH₂), 6.22 (t, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, Ar),7.09-7.12 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.26-7.36 (m, 5H, Ar), 7.86 (s, 1H, NH),7.96 (d,1H, J=2.8 Hz, Ar).

Example 84-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine

Chelidamic acid monohydrate (1.0 g, 5.0 mmol) was treated with pyridine(100 ml) and concentrated under vacuum and then treated with toluene(100 ml) and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was treated withdichloromethane (30 ml), N,N-dimethylformamide (0.3 ml) and a solutionof oxalyl chloride in dichloromethane (2 M, 13.7 ml). After stirring for1 hour, volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to give crude4-chloro-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl dichloride.

To a mixture of crude 4-chloro-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl dichloride,dichloromethane (100 ml), and ethanol (5 ml), cooled in an ice bath, wasadded a solution of pyridine (6 ml) and ethanol (5 ml). The cooling bathwas removed and the mixture was stirred for 5 hours. Volatiles wereevaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with amixture of hydrochloric acid (1 M, 30 ml) and saturated aqueous sodiumchloride solution (50 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (200 ml).The organic extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatographyon silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane (1:4 followed by 1:3) toprovide 4-chloro-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester (800 mg,62% yield). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.36 (t, 6H, J=7.1 Hz CH₃), 3.33 (s, 3H,CH₃), 4.40 (q, 4H, J=7.1 Hz, CH₂), 8.31 (s, 2H, Ar).

To a solution of 4-chloro-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester(700 mg, 2.8 mmol), 5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenylboronic acid (630 mg, 3.4mmol), palladium acetate (105 mg, 0.47 mmol) in ethylene glycol dimethylether (50 ml), degassed with argon, was added a solution of sodiumcarbonate (868 mg, 8.2 mmol) in water (5 ml) followed bytriphenylphosphine (220 mg, 0.84 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 80°C. for 3 hours and filtered through a pad of celite under suction. Thefiltrate was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withethyl acetate-hexane (1:3 followed by 1:2) to give4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid diethylester (755 mg, 74% yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 1.42(t, 6H, J=7.1 Hz CH₃), 3.92 (s, 3H, CH₃), 4.45 (q, 4H, J=7.1 Hz, CH₂),7.27 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.52 (dd, 1H J=8.8 Hz, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 7.56(d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 8.43 (s, 2H, Ar).

To a solution of 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylicacid diethyl ester (700 mg, 2.7 mmol) in ethanol (40 ml) was addedhydrazine (1.0 ml) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 3 hours.After cooling to 10° C., the solid was filtered and dried under vacuumto give 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyldihydrazide (618 mg, 100% yield). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.92 (s, 3H, CH₃),4.68 (s, 4H, NH₂), 7.24 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, Ar), 7.53-7.56 (m, 2H, Ar),8.20 (s, 2H, Ar), 10.72 (s, 2H, NH).

To a solution of 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyldihydrazide (600 mg, 2.61 mmol) in hydrochloric acid (0.5 M, 60 ml),cooled in an ice bath, was added a solution of sodium nitrite (1.7 g,24.6 mmol) in water (5 ml). After stirring for 3 hours, the solid wasfiltered and dried under vacuum to give4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl diazide (600 mg,91% yield) as a beige powder. ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.94 (s, 3H, CH₃),7.28 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.55 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 7.62(d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 8.54 (s, 2H, Ar).

To a solution of 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyldiazide (310 mg, 1.23 mmol) in toluene (20 ml) was added tert-butanol (1ml). The mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 30 minutes and volatileswere evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified byflash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate-hexane(1:3) to provide[6-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (220 mg, 52% yield). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ1.47 (s, 18H, CH₃), 3.79 (s, 3H, CH₃), 7.18 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.30(d, 1H, J=2.6 Hz, Ar), 7.47-7.49 (m, 3H, Ar), 9.41 (s, 2H, NH).

To a solution of[6-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-carbamicacid tert-butyl ester (220 mg, 0.49 mmol) in dichloromethane (8 ml) wasadded trifluoroacetic acid (6 ml). After stirring for 1 hour, volatileswere evaporated under reduced pressure. Treatment with toluene (15 ml)and evaporation of volatiles under reduced pressure provided4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt (180 mg, 100% yield).

To a mixture of 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diaminetrifluoroacetic acid salt (90 mg, 0.25 mmol), 4-chloro-phenylboronicacid (45 mg, 0.29 mmol), copper (II) acetate (218 mg, 1.2 mmol), 4Amolecular sieves (5 g) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was addedtriethylamine (0.3 ml). The mixture was stirred under an oxygenatmosphere for 40 minutes and filtered through a pad of celite undersuction. After evaporation of volatiles under reduced pressure, theresidue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting withethyl acetate-hexane (3:5 followed by 1:1 followed by 5:3) to providethe title compound (30 mg, 33% yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.84 (s,3H, CH₃), 5.33 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz, NH₂), 6.16 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 6.27(t, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.23 (d, 2H, J=8.9Hz, Ar), 7.30 (d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 7.36 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.7 Hz,Ar), 7.76-7.79 (m, 2H, Ar), 8.05 (s, 1H,

Example 9 4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine

Following the method described in Example 8,4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt and p-tolylboronic acid provided the title compound (11% yield). ¹HNMR (acetone-d₆) δ2.26 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.83 (s, 3H, CH₃) 5.24 (bs, 2H,NH₂), 6.10 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 6.26 (t, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 7.06 (d,2H, J=8.5 Hz, Ar), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.29 (d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz,Ar), 7.35 (dd, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, J=3.3 Hz, Ar), 7.53-7.56 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.70(s, 1H, NH).

Example 10 4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine

Following the method described in Example 8,(5-chloro-ethoxy-phenyl)-phenylboronic acid and4-chloro-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester gave4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt (4% yield for 5 steps).

Following the method described in Example 8,4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt and p-tolylboronic acid provided the title compound (17% yield). ¹HNMR (acetone-d₆) δ1.35 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz, CH₃), 2.27 (s, 3H, CH₃), 4.08(q, 2H, J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 5.24 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 6.14 (d, 1H, J=1.0 Hz, Ar),6.32 (t, 1H, J=0.9 Hz, Ar), 7.06-7.10 (m, 3H, Ar), 7.29-7.34 (m, 2H,Ar), 7.51-7.54(m, 2H, Ar), 7.67 (s, 1H, NH).

Example 114-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine

Following the method described in Example 8,4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt and 4-chloro-phenylboronic acid provided the title compound (30%yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ1.35 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz, CH₃), 4.08 (q, 2H,J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 5.32 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 6.21 (d, 1H, J=1H, J=1.2 Hz, Ar),6.32 (t, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 7.09 (d, 2H, J=8.6 Hz, Ar), 7.23 (d, 2H,J=8.9 Hz, Ar), 7.31-7.78 (m, 2H, Ar), 8.04 (s, 1H, NH).

Example 124-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde

Following the method described in Example 8,4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt and 4-formyl-phenylboronic acid provided the title compound (22%yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ1.36 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz, CH₃), 4.11 (q, 2H,J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 5.51 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 6.33 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 6.44 (d,1H, J=1.0 Hz, Ar), 7.12 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz, Ar), 7.31-7.37 (m, 2H, Ar),7.78 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.88-7.97 (m, 2H, Ar), 8.57 (s, 1H, NH),9.84 (s, 1H, CH).

Example 13{4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-phenyl}-methanol

To a solution of the title compound provided by Example 12 (25 mg, 0.068mmol) in tetrahydofuran (5 ml) and methanol (10 ml) was added sodiumborohydride (20 mg, 0.53 mmol). After stirring for 1.5 hours, themixture was treated with water (10 ml) and hydrochloric acid (1 M, 0.6ml). The mixture was concentrated to a volume of 8 ml and the solid wascollected by filtration. The solid was treated with aqueous sodiumcarbonate solution (10%, 10 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30ml). The combined extracts were dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified bypreparative thin layer chromatography eluting withmethanol-dichloromethane (5:95) to give the title compound (10 mg, 39%yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ1.36 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz, CH₃), 3.95 (bs, 1H,OH), 4.09 (q, 2H, J=7.0 Hz, CH₂), 4.56 (s, 2H, CH₂), 5.28 (bs, 2H, NH₂),6.16 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 6.34 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 7.09 (d, 1H,J=8.5 Hz, Ar), 7.24 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz, Ar), 7.30-7.34 (m, 2H, Ar),7.60-7.63 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.80 (s, 1H, NH).

Example 144-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde

Following the method described in Example 8,4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine trifluoroacetic acidsalt and 4-formyl-phenylboronic acid provided the title compound (22%yield). ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ3.85 (s, CH₃), 5.51 (bs, 2H, NH₂), 6.27 (d,1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 6.38 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz, Ar), 7.14 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz,Ar), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz, Ar), 7.38 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, J=2.7 Hz, Ar),7.78 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz, Ar), 7.96 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz, Ar), 8.59 (s, 1H,NH), 9.84 (s, 1H, CH).

Example 15 LPAAT-β Assay

A. Production of Recombinant LPAAT-β for Assays

For the construction of Baculovirus expression vectors, the full-lengthhuman LPAAT-β cDNA was amplified by PCR from the DNA templatepCE9.LPAAT-β (West et at., DNA Cell Biol. 16:691-701 (1997)) using theprimers 5′-TGATATCCGAAGAAGATCTT ATGGAGCTGTGGCCGTCTC-3′ (olpb1F; SEQ IDNO:1) and 5′-CAGGCTCTAG ACTACTGGGCCGGCTGCAC-3′ (olpb1R; SEQ ID NO:2).The ˜870 bp fragment generated was reamplified by PCR using the primers5′CCTACGTCGACATGGAACAAAATTGATA TCCGAAGAAGATC-3′ (olpb2F; SEQ ID NO:3)and 5′-CAGGCTCTAGCTACTGGGC CGGCTGCAC-3′ (olpb1R; SEQ ID NO:2). The ˜890bp fragment generated as then cleaved with Sal I and Xba I for insertioninto pFastBac™ HTc vector (Life Technologies, Gaithersberg, Md.) betweenthe Sal I and Xba I sites for the generation of the plasmid pFB.LPAAT-β.This plasmid was then transformed into E. coli DH10Bac™ (LifeTechnologies, Gaithersberg, Md.) for the generation of recombinantBacmid DNA for transfection in HighFive (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.)or SF9 insect cells for the production of recombinant Baculovirus stocksusing the protocol described in the Bac-to-Bac® Baculovirus ExpressionSystem (Life Technologies, Gaithersberg, Md.), a eukaryotic expressionsystem for generating recombinant baculovirus through site-specifictransposition in E. coli. Viral stocks harvested from the transfectedcells can then be used to infect fresh insect cells for the subsequenceexpression of LPAAT-β fusion protein with a poly-histidine tag and amyc-epitope near its N-terminus. The membrane fraction from these Sf9cells would be the source of LPAAT enzyme.

B. Preparation of Cell Membranes from Sf9 Cells

For the preparation of membranes from Sf9 Cells, all steps are performedon ice or at 4° C. Sf9 cell pellets (˜10⁸ cells) were thawed andresuspended in 1-2 ml of buffer A (20 mM Hepes, pH 7.5, 1 mM DTT, 1 mMEDTA, 20% w/v glycerol, 1 mM Benzamidine, 1 μg/ml soybean trypsininhibitor (SBTI), 1 μg/ml pepstatin A) w/o DTT but with 1 mM Pefabloc.The cells were lysed by sonication using a Branson Sonifier at output=2,duty cycle=2, 10 pulses each at 10 s. with the tip of small sonicatorprobe submerged but not touching the walls. DTT was then added to 1 mMfrom a 1 M stock. The samples were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 min.The low speed supernatant was saved and centrifuged (TLA 100.3 rotor,polycarbonate tubes, 2 ml/tube or 1.5 ml/tube minimum) at 100000×g for 1hr. The high speed pellet was resuspend in Buffer A with a probesonicator (10 pulses @ output #2 and duty cycle 20%) as a source ofLPAAT enzyme.

C. Assay of LPAAT-β Activity

LPAAT-β catalyzes the transfer of an acyl group from a donor such asacyl-CoA to LPA. The transfer of the acyl group from acyl-CoA to LPAleads to the release of free CoA, which can be reacted with the thiolreagent, 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). The reactionbetween DTNB and the free sulfhydryl group from CoA generates ayellow-colored product, 3-carboxylato-4-nitrothiophenolate (CNP), thatabsorbs at 413 nm. LPAAT-β derived from Sf9 cell membrane overexpressingLPAAT-β were resuspended in HEPES saline buffer (20 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 150mM NaCl), 1 mg/ml BSA and 72 μl aliquots were distributed into 96-wellmicrotiter plates. 8 μl of compound of interest at 200 μM dissolved in100% DMSO was added into each well. 20 μl of 1 mM 18:1-CoA and 1 mMsn-1-18:1 lysoPA was then added to each well to initiate the reactionand allowed to run at room temperature for 25 min. 100 μl of 1 mM DTNBin 100% ethanol was then added to each well to quench the reaction andfor color development. The absorbance at 405 nm, measured using aspectrophotometer plate reader, is proportional to the activity ofLPAAT-β in the sample. This colorimetric assay was used for the highthroughput screening of LPAAT inhibitors. Compounds that showed >50%inhibition of the change in absorbance at 405 nm compared to controlwere selected for a secondary assay.

A secondary assay for LPAAT activity in cell extracts based on eitherthe conversion of fluorescent NBD-LPA to NBD-PA (West, et al., DNA CellBiol. 6:691-701, 1997) or [¹⁴C]LPA to [¹⁴C]PA using TLC analysis wasused to screen compounds that showed >50% inhibition of LPAAT activityin the primary colorimetric assay. The radiometric assay was carried outin Sf9 cell membrane overexpressing LPAAT-β resuspended in HEPES-salinebuffer, pH 7.5, 1 mg/ml BSA, 1 mM EDTA and 200 μM [¹⁴C]18:1-CoA and 200μM sn-1-18:1 lysoPA. The samples were incubated 7 min at 37° C.,extracted into organic solvent (CHCl₃/CH₃OH/HCl at 33/66/1), beforeloading onto TLC plates. A more detailed protocol for the radiometricassay is described below:

Specifically, this LPAAT assay is a modification of the acyltransferaseassay published previously (Hollenback and Glomset, Biochemistry37:363-376 (1999)).

1. The basic assay, in a total volume of 50 μl, employs a solution ofsubstrates and the protein sample. Total assay volume, as well as thevolume of each solution, can be changed to fit an experiment. Inaddition, other compounds, ex inhibitors and activators, can be includedin the assay as well.

2. To prepare the solution of substrates:

a. Stocks of Hepes (pH 7.5), NaCl, EDTA, BSA and acyl-CoA (from Serderyor Sigma) are mixed with water to make the appropriate concentration ofeach compound. This can be varied from assay-to-assay, but the finalreaction mix is about 50 mM Hepes, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mg/ml BSAand 0-400 μM acyl-CoA.

b. The lysoPA (from Avanti) is typically stored in chloroform and the¹⁴C-labeled acyl-CoA (from Amersham) is typically stored inwater/ethanol=1:1. Appropriate amounts of each solution are added the toa 12×75 mm borosilicate glass test tube and dry the solvent under N₂ orAr. An appropriate volume of the solution prepared in 2a is added to thelysoPA and ¹⁴C-labeled acyl-CoA. The lipids are resuspend by sonicationfor 15 sec in a bath sonicator. The resulting suspension is thenincubated (with occasional gentle vortexing) for about 10 minutes atroom temp. The sn-1-16:0 lysoPA may require brief warming of the solventto solubilize it. The concentration of lysoPA and ¹⁴C-labeled acyl-CoAcan vary, but typically the final lysoPA concentration ranges between 0and 400 μM and the ¹⁴C-labeled acyl-CoA specific activity ranges between0.5 and 2 Ci/mol.

3. Protein sample: varies from experiment-to-experiment.

4. The assay is performed by mixing the components in 12×75 mmborosilicate glass test tubes (the order of addition does not matterunless indicated) and incubating at 37° C. for 5 to 10 minutes such thatthe assay within the linear range for time and protein.

5. The reaction is quenched by adding 1.3 ml ofchloroform/methanol/HCl=48/51/0.7 and vortexing. 10 μl of carriersolution is then added (3 mg/ml each PA, ex. 16:0-18:1, and lysoPA, exsn-1-18:1, in chloroform). Two phases are formed by adding 0.3 ml ofwater to each tube and vortexing.

6. The sample is centrifuged for 3 minutes at 1000×g, the upper(aqueous/methanol) phase is aspirated and the lower phase is dried undernitrogen.

7. Thin layer chromatography:

a. The dried samples are resuspended in 50 μl of chloroform and a 15 μlaliquot is immediately spotted on an Analtech silica gel 60 HP-TLC plate(10×20 cm).

b. Plates are developed in chloroform/methanol/aceticacid/water=85/12.5/12.5/3 (takes about 15 min) and dried.

c. To be able to convert pixel volume (determined by the Storm phosphorimager, see step 8b) into cpm, cpm standard curve must be generated onthe plate. ¹⁴C-labeled oleate dilutions in chloroform are made for thispurpose. Four stocks (50 cpm/μl to 800 cpm/μl) are made and 2 μl of adifferent concentration are spotted in each corner of the plate (wherepreviously there was no radioactivity).

d. For quality control purposes, the plates are stained with primulineand scanned with the Storm (blue chemilluminescence mode).

The PA and lysoPA bands are easily detected in this system because ofthe carrier added in step 5. PA and lysoPA have respective Rf's of about0.63 and 0.21.

8. Quantitating activity:

a. The plates are then wrapped in saran wrap and exposed to a freshlyblanked phosphor screen overnight (longer exposures can also be done toincrease the signal).

b. The screens are scanned (Phosphorimager mode), and LPAAT activity isdetermined by quantifying the pixels in the band comigrating with PAstandard versus the standard curve generated from the cpm standards thatwere spotted in step 7c.

TABLE 1 LPAAT-β cell-free assay Compound (IC₅₀, μM) Compound Name 1

0.2 [2-Chloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy- phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl]-p-tolyl-amine2

>40 [4-Cloro-6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy- phenyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-p-tolyl-amine3

29 6-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)- N*2*-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,4-diamine 4

6.5 6-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)- N*2*-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,4-diamine 5

34 N-[6-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)- 4-p-tolylamino-pyridin-2-yl]-acetamide 6

35 6-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)- N*4*-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,4-diamine 7

18 6-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)- N*4*-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,4-diamine 8

0.04 4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N- (4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine 9

0.24 4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4- p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine 10

0.49 4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-4-p- tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine 11

0.05 4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine 12

0.05 4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy- phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde 13

0.1 {4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy- phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-phenyl}-methanol 14

0.26 4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy- phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications,U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applicationsand non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/orlisted in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein byreference, in their entirety.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A compound or physiologically acceptable salt thereof, wherein thecompound has the formula:

wherein: Y is N; X and Z are CH or CR where R is alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, Br,NH₂, NHR′ or NR′R″ where R′ and R″ independently are alkyl; Q is NR,RN—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—NR, O, O—(CH₂)_(n), (CH₂)_(n)—O, S, S—(CH₂)_(n)or (CH₂)_(n)—S, where n is 1-10 and R is H or alkyl; R¹ is OH, alkyl,alkoxy Cl, F, Br, CR₃ where R₃ is Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃, NH₂, NHR or NRR′ whereR and R′ independently are alkyl; R² is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, F, Bror CR₃ where R₃ is Cl₃, F₃ or Br₃; R³ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, Cl, CCl₃,NH₂, NHR or NRR′ where R and R′ independently are alkyl or acyl; R⁴, R⁵,and R⁶ are independently H, OH, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy,heterocycle wherein the heterocycle is oxazole, piperidine, piperazine,morpholine, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, thiazole, pyrazole,pyridine or pyrimidine, (CH₂)_(n)—OR where R is H or alkyl and n is1-10, Cl, F, Br, CCl₃, CF₃, CBr₃, acyl, N⁺ (═O)O⁻, C≡N, N₃, SH, SR orS(═O)₂R where R is alkyl, NH₂, NHR or NRR′ where R and R′ independentlyare alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ or R⁵ and R⁶ taken together with the benzenering to form a quinoline, isoquinoline, purine or carbazole.
 2. Thecompound or salt thereof of claim 1 wherein Q of the compound or saltthereof is NH.
 3. The compound or salt thereof of claim 1 wherein R⁴ orR⁵ of the compound or salt thereof is acyl.
 4. The compound or saltthereof of claim 1 wherein R¹ of the compound or salt thereof is alkyl,alkoxy or Cl.
 5. The compound or salt thereof of claim 1 wherein R² ofthe compound or salt thereof is Cl or Br.
 6. The compound or saltthereof of claim 1 wherein R³ of the compound or salt thereof is alkylor NH₂.
 7. The compound or salt thereof of claim 1 wherein R⁴ or R⁵ ofthe compound or salt thereof is alkyl, Cl, Br, CF₃, CH₂—OH, (CH₂)₂—OH,N⁺(═O)O⁻, C≡N, or C(═O)R wherein R is alkyl or alkoxy, or R⁴ and R⁵ aretaken together with benzene ring to form indazole.
 8. The compound orsalt thereof of claim 1 wherein the compound is4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde,{4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-phenyl}-methanol,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylaminol]-benzaldehyde,or physiologically acceptable salts thereof.
 9. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound or salt thereof according to claim 1in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 wherein Q of the compoundor salt thereof is NH.
 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9wherein R⁴ or R⁵ of the compound or salt thereof is acyl.
 12. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 9 wherein R¹ of the compound or saltthereof is alkyl, alkoxy or Cl.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition ofclaim 9 wherein R² of the compound or salt thereof is Cl or Br.
 14. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 9 wherein R³ of the compound or saltthereof is alkyl or NH₂.
 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9wherein R⁴ or R⁵ of the compound or salt thereof is alkyl, Cl, Br, CF₃,CH₂—OH, (CH₂)₂—OH, N⁺(═O) O⁻, C≡N, or C(═O)R wherein R is alkyl oralkoxy, or R⁴ and R⁵ are taken together with the benzene ring to formindazole.
 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9 wherein thecompound is4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde,{4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-phenyl}-methanol,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde,or physiologically acceptable salts thereof.
 17. A method for treating acancer in which lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase β (LPAAT-β)activity is elevated comprising administering to an animal in need, acompound or salt thereof according to claim 1 or a composition accordingto claim 10 in an amount effective to treat the cancer.
 18. The methodof claim 17 wherein the animal is a mammal.
 19. The method of claim 17wherein Q of the compound or salt thereof is NH.
 20. The method of claim17 wherein R⁴ or R⁵ of the compound or salt thereof is acyl.
 21. Themethod of claim 17 wherein R¹ of he compound or salt thereof is alkyl,alkoxy or Cl.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein R² of the compound orsalt thereof is Cl or Br.
 23. The method of claim 17 wherein R³ of thecompound or salt thereof is alkyl or NH₂.
 24. The method of claim 17wherein R⁴ or R⁵ of the compound or salt thereof is alkyl, Cl, Br, CF₃,CH₂—OH, (CH₂)₂—OH, N⁺(═O)O⁻, C≡N, or C(═O )R wherein R is alkyl oralkoxy, or R⁴ and R⁵ are taken together with the benzene ring to formindazole.
 25. The method of claim 17 wherein the compound is4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-4p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-4-p-tolyl-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-(5-Chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyridine-2,6-diamine,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde,{4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-phenyl}-methanol,4-[6-Amino-4-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyridin-2-ylamino]-benzaldehyde,or physiologically acceptable salts thereof.